​Today the Jesus Calling author is instructing me to "WELCOME CHALLENGING TIMES as opportunities..."

Well, in response I must say, I have, and I do. I know many people who don't want to be challenged. They don't want to "expand their territory," take on an added responsibility, learn a new skill, or life lesson. That isn't me. I enjoy learning - anything.

​In all honesty, I must also say I'm growing very weary of the challenge. I would like a break from the challenge of putting on a happy face when I'm anything but happy. I'd like a respite from the constant trials and tribulations that come with this life that make every day a struggle to get through.

I'd like relief from the piercing guilt I feel over my internal daily pity party. I feel shame as I consider the "real" challenges of those who are suffering grief, terminal illness, loss, paralysis, emotional trauma and all the other problems far greater than mine. There is always someone who has a problem greater than our own.

The author warns of the mistake of measuring our strength against the challenges we face. That is one mistake I don't make. Some have commented on "how strong" I must be. I surrendered any notion of my independent strength. I long ago learned it is worthless against the challenges I have had to face in this fallen world.

Trust in what the Lord for what He has already done and in what He plans to do is a requirement for me to keep up this inorganic strength and hope. I begin every day with a thankful heart - in spite of whether my current circumstance, This choice provides the smile that would otherwise be disingenuous and betray the hurt in my heart.

If one gets a glimpse of my pearly whites, it is not because my sorrows have ended and I feel happy. "Happy" has not been in my dictionary of emotions for some time now. I don't expect it to reappear any time in the near future.

It is possible only by His Light beaming from His Perfect Peace. That alone, is my Joy.

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Melinda started her fifth year of her devotions reading Oswald Chamber'sMy Utmost for His Highest. In 2015 she has made the commitment to share what this year's journey. Taking a detour, she began living Every Day With JesusNow she's listening to JesusCalling​ Second only to her Bible, these devotionals are treasured resources for her walk of faith.